The Loyalty Among Co-Workers

There is a saying that there is "no loyalty among thieves". The reason for such an observation is that there truly is no boundary or limitation for a thief. A person that upholds to the title of thief can rob from his own mother because of the fact that there is only one rule for thieves ... NEVER GET CAUGHT.

But I am not among a gang of hardened criminals. I speak about the working world where one has to labor for his/her pay rather than prey upon those that dwell in the realm of 9-5. And if you have to share a majority of your time with a group of people who are similar in missions and goals, one would tend to think that a bond would grow. A certain "loyalty" would be expected within the boundaries of this newly found relationship. Heck, you spend majority of your waking day with them! They can at least be cordial and attempt to be friends

But the fact of the matter is that your co-workers are just that! They are not inclined or obligated to assist you in any shape form or manner. Much like parts to an engine, co-workers have to perform a certain task. And though you might need assistance, they must continue to perform or find themselves at risk of being replaced right along with you.

But what about TEAM ETHICS? It sounds good hearing that you are a part of team. Who doesn't want to belong to a group of like minded individuals that have your best interest in mind? Who doesn't want to feel that they are supported while working? But the fact of the matter is that being employed is about self preservation and nothing else. If a situation were to arise where an employee is placed between the moral injustice of a fellow co-worker and his salary, is it not obvious what the employee would do? In most cases, the employee would cling to his current position, leaving the co-worker to fend for himself. Cruel, but true. Even animals tend to fight for food rather than share. It is about survival. And for us, working human beings, our paycheck is our treasure to longevity and no one is going to get in the way of that.

We would like to think that we have friends in our workplace. Look again. Everywhere around you, there are enemies. If you are in a supervisor position there are people scheming to knock you out of your position and assume your title. Even at the low end of the totem pole, there are demons looking above and below you. Not to make you paranoid, but it is best to have two sets of eyes, if you get my meaning.

Thinking positively, there are some good to being loyal to the people around you. It might not get you that promotion or the raise that you've been asking for, but it will definitely build your reputation among "TEAM". You will be considered dependable, reliable, and worthy of some amount of praise. And in the situation you find yourself in the position of a higher title, those people who you helped will loyal to you. In a imperfect world, doing good has it rewards ... some times.